Speculation ‘harsh’ on Johnson – team-mate
Kodi Nikorima has backed Kiwis halves partner Shaun Johnson to block out the uncertainty surrounding his club future as they head into the do-or-die clash against England at Anfield.
Nikorima described the way Johnson’s contract situation with the Warriors has unfolded while away on national duty as ‘‘harsh’’ but a reality of business in the NRL.
Johnson is off-contract at the end of 2019 but is free to explore other options after the Warriors said they were in no rush to re-sign the former Golden Boot winner.
Speculation escalated this week with reports that the Raiders were interested in luring the star playmaker to Canberra, but that talk cooled yesterday when it emerged the club had yet to speak to Johnson and was unlikely to move for him.
While Nikorima said Johnson had not addressed the situation with the Kiwis squad, as his roommate, the Broncos halfback quietly reached out to show his support.
‘‘I’ve spoken to Shaun about it. I thought it was pretty harsh how it all came out, him being on the other side of the world not having control of that,’’ Nikorima said. ‘‘I just told him ‘stay focused, you’re part of this team now and the rest will take care of itself’.
‘‘In terms of how he’s been, he’s just the same. He hasn’t really spoken about it. He’s a professional and I love playing with him.’’
Johnson is one of the biggest names on the NRL transfer market, which opened on Thursday.
The Raiders’ interest in Johnson was reportedly sparked by former Warriors coach Andrew Mcfadden, who left his assistant role at the Auckland club last season to move back to Canberra.
But they are likely to be one of several clubs keen on Johnson’s services, while he may yet re-sign with the Warriors. However, he may have to accept a reduced deal from his current contract.
Johnson has been the face of the Warriors since his debut season in 2011 but Nikorima was not overly surprised that the club would allow him to test the market.
‘‘It just shows that this is a business we live and play in, unfortunately,’’ he said. ‘‘No doubt when he gets back home he’ll sort it all out.’’
Of more immediate concern for Johnson and Nikorima is levelling the series against England on Monday (NZT).
After combining at last year’s dismal World Cup campaign, the pair took a big step forward last month as they engineered the upset win over the Kangaroos.
The first-test loss to England showed the partnership is still a work in progress but Nikorima, who will earn his 12th cap on Monday, is relishing the freedom in attack they have been given by coach Michael Maguire.
‘‘We haven’t played that many games [together] but the fact we’re roommates now helps a little bit, getting to know each other’s personalities,’’ Nikorima said. ‘‘I’m a bit of a clown and he’s the more serious one so it’s good to have that balance.
‘‘In terms of the team, if you look back at the World Cup we sort of just stuck to our sides instead of now where we are both roaming. The more we can connect together the better we will go as a team.’’
Meanwhile, England prop James Graham has taken over the captaincy after lock Sean O’loughlin was ruled out due to a calf injury.
St Helens forward Luke Thompson is poised to replace O’loughlin in the pack while Castleford’s Adam Milner has been drafted into the 19-man squad.
The Kiwis team will be named today.